Kompany Targets Champions League Glory as Bayern Face Bodo/Glimt
Bayern Munich begin their new Champions League campaign against Bodo/Glimt with Vincent Kompany insisting the club’s ambition remains unchanged: to compete for Europe’s biggest prize.
The German champions enter the fixture after their winning start to the domestic season was interrupted by a goalless draw away to newly promoted Schalke. Kompany wants his players to put that frustration aside quickly as Bayern return to continental action.
Bayern were among the strongest sides in last season’s league phase, finishing second after seven victories from eight matches. Their only loss came at Arsenal, before Paris Saint-Germain, who went on to lift the trophy, eliminated them in the semi-finals.
European target remains clear
Kompany said Bayern’s status means they must begin every Champions League season with the intention of going all the way.
“Bayern are one of the clubs who start the season aiming to win the Champions League,” Kompany said. “But the immediate focus is Bodo/Glimt. We want to win tomorrow and put everything into it.”
The Bayern coach acknowledged that knockout football can turn on fine margins, but said his side must earn the circumstances required for another deep run.
“It comes down to details,” he said. “You have to be better than the other team, while also having the luck that you must make happen. We will do everything we can to be in those knockout matches again.”
Kompany warns of Bodo/Glimt threat
Bodo/Glimt arrive in Munich with recent European pedigree. On their first appearance in the Champions League’s main draw last season, the Norwegian club defeated Manchester City, Atlético Madrid and Inter Milan before reaching the last 16.
Kompany described the visitors as one of European football’s most impressive stories and said their collective work without the ball makes them difficult opponents.
“The more you study Bodo/Glimt, the more you understand why they have done so well,” he said. “Their players work hard, defend, press and follow a very clear plan. Everyone has bought into it.
“Considering their resources, they should not be competing with the leading Champions League clubs. That is probably the highest praise you can give them.”
Gnabry and Musiala monitored
Bayern will assess Serge Gnabry as the forward continues his recovery from a thigh injury. Jamal Musiala is also being closely watched after a medication adjustment for a neurological condition led to two collapses during Bayern’s pre-season friendlies.
Manuel Neuer, meanwhile, could be entering his final Champions League campaign. The 40-year-old goalkeeper agreed a one-year contract extension during the summer and is expected to retire when the season ends.
Neuer said Bayern’s potential was a major factor in his decision to continue, and admitted that a third Champions League title would carry enormous personal significance.
“I go into the season believing we can achieve everything available to us,” Neuer said. “The quality in this squad was one reason I stayed. Winning the Champions League for a third time would mean so much to me, although we know there are many difficult matches ahead.”
